By Ed Sharrow, Rishi

Sri Nerode’s Translation:

29

Those who are deluded by the senses are attracted to their functions become attached to the sense-objects. The man of perfect understanding should not confound the uninitiated whose knowledge is imperfect. (In other words, it is wrong to destroy the faith and initiative in action of the unwise, until the unwise is taught to see what is right.)

Helpful Translation:

The ignorant are attached to the qualities of creation. A wise person does not confound the one who lives life blindly, as a slave of the senses.

Commentary:

The ignorant man is like a spoiled child. If a good parent takes the spoiled child’s toy, the child will erupt with fits of emotion and violence. Every parent has an obligation to teach the child appropriate behaviors. However, once the child becomes an adult only the community can define what is an acceptable level of greed, intoxication or promiscuity (the toys of adulthood).

The wise person is like a good parent. When raising a child, the sage guides human growth with discipline and counsel. In this way, the child learns self-discipline and right behavior. Both are qualities that are necessary for a happy adult life.

However, once a person reaches the age of adulthood, the wise sage remains silent unless asked for advice. Through personal example of living and through ideas like those expressed in scripture, the sage suggests options for the ignorant adult. However, the sage never attempts to remove the ignorant person’s attachment unless help is directly requested.

Most humans are content with the prison cell of sensual experiences. The expansion of consciousness takes thousands of human lifetimes to evolve naturally. The wise encourage a healthy framework for the average life of their fellow humans through their example.

The adage of “let sleeping dogs lie,” applies here. The ignorant person who is forcefully awakened from their ignorance will strike out like an angry dog and attack his master.

Extremely advanced, wise humans have no personal desires. They are patient and wait for the delusional dogs to awaken on their own and to seek companionship and the food of spirit according to their own desires. The next time you observe someone who appears to be always helpful, most often silent and who projects a subtle aura of peace and happiness, you may be in the company of a wise person. Don’t be a spoiled child, be an adult and ask this person for help.

Easter Eggs:

Easter Eggs (hidden references to deeper meanings) in the original version of this this verse include: